How to Drink Dalmore 12

Last Updated on: 26th April 2024, 05:33 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Aberfeldy 12: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this sweet Scotch.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Dalmore 12 is best appreciated when sipped neat, according to Scotch expert Neil Coleman.
• A Glencairn glass is recommended to enhance the aroma and taste.
• The flavor profile features dark fruit, orange, chocolate, cinnamon, and plum.
• It’s not typically used for cocktails, but some recipes are suggested.
• Pairs well with desserts like chocolate truffles, caramel pudding, and crème brûlée.
• Proper storage is essential to preserve its quality.
• Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Best Way to Drink Dalmore 12

“The Dalmore 12 is a whisky best appreciated when sipped neat. “, mentions whisky expert Neil Coleman.

While I often suggest adding water to whiskies to unveil their hidden flavors, Dalmore 12 is already on the sweeter side.

Given its light body, adding more than a drop could make it feel too thin.

So, one drop of water at most should suffice.

Related: Best 12 Year Whiskies

Adding Water: A Careful Gesture

Adding a splash of water to scotch whisky often enhances its flavor, a Scottish practice honed over centuries.

This method unlocks hidden flavors by breaking down the molecules.

However, for Dalmore 12, I’d advise against adding water.

The whisky already has a light body and is bottled at just 40% ABV (80 proof).

Adding more water can overly dilute it, resulting in a lackluster and mild drink.

On the Rocks

If you like your whisky chilled, consider using large ice cubes to minimize dilution, or try whiskey stones.

Not only do these stones cool your drink, but they also elevate the visual allure of your Scotch Whisky sipping experience.

Choosing the Right Glass

The Glencairn is still the go-to choice for Dalmore 12.

It amplifies the aroma, enhancing the experience of every sip. If you don’t have one, a traditional whiskey tumbler will do.

Flavor Profile

The aroma of Dalmore 12 stands out, brimming with notes of dark fruit, orange, chocolate, and subtle touches of cinnamon and plum.

However, the taste falls short with its light body and an excessively sweet flavor that becomes cloying after a few sips.

Its aftertaste is brief and has a tangy edge, marked by dark fruits, spices, and a hint of bitterness.

Dalmore 12 in Cocktails

Dalmore is not a whisky I recommend for making cocktails as it lacks the strength and notes of a good Scotch to make cocktails.

There are several cheap whiskies that can get the job done in a more effective manner than the Dalmore 12 for a fraction of the price.

However, if you want to try making a cocktail with it, here are some ideas:

Highland Sunrise

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• 0.5 oz honey syrup
• Orange twist for garnish

Method:

1. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake and strain into a glass.
3. Garnish with an orange twist.

Sweet Highland Fizz

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• Soda water to top

Method:

1. Combine whisky and lemon juice in a glass.
2. Top with soda water and stir gently.

Food Pairings

Recognized as a dessert whisky, Dalmore 12 pairs splendidly with sweet treats and rich flavors that highlight its unique profile.

Here are some ideal pairings to elevate your whisky-tasting experience:

1. Chocolate Truffles: The rich cocoa complements the dark fruit and chocolate notes of Dalmore 12, enhancing its deep flavors.
2. Caramel Pudding: The smooth and creamy texture of caramel pudding pairs well with the whisky, softening its sweet palate even further.
3. Fig and Almond Tart: The natural sweetness of figs resonates with the fruity undertones of this Scotch, while almonds add a nutty depth.
4. Crème Brûlée: This creamy dessert with its caramelized sugar top harmonizes with the whisky’s sweetness, making for a delightful pairing.
5. Berry Compote: The tanginess of mixed berries can counteract the overly sweet taste of the whisky, providing a refreshing contrast.

Preserving the Bottle

To ensure your Dalmore 12 stays at its best:

• Store upright.
• Keep away from sunlight.
• Store in a cool place.

If you find the bottle’s content below 25%, it’s best to enjoy it soon to preserve its authentic flavors.

Insight into Dalmore 12

• Dalmore undergoes nine years of aging in ex-bourbon barrels.
• Half matures for three years in Matusalem oloroso sherry casks; the rest stays in ex-bourbon casks.
• Won Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Achieved 95 points at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
• In Alness, Scotland, Dalmore was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson.